Breast cancer is a disease in which cancerous cells form in the tissue of the breast. About one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime, making it the most common type of cancer among women in the United States.
Age and gender are the two most important risk factors for breast cancer. Females have a much higher risk of developing breast cancer and that risk increases with age. It’s also important to know your family history, as that is a high risk factor for developing breast cancer. Not everyone with risk factors will be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, not having any risk factors does not mean that you will not get cancer.
Risk factors for breast cancer
- Race
- Gender
- Personal history of cancer
- Personal history of benign (noncancerous) breast disease
- Immediate family history of breast cancer (grandmother, mother, daughter, sister)
- Inherited changes in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes
- Taking hormones such as estrogen combined with progestin
- Menstrual periods before 12
- Menopause after 55
- Drinking alcohol
- Obesity
Signs of breast cancer
- A lump or bulge near the breast or underarm area
- Change in the size of the breast
- Change in location of the nipple
- Nipple turned inward
- Dimple or puckering of the skin
- Fluid discharge from the nipple
- Scaly or red and swollen skin on the breast, nipple or areola
How can breast cancer be detected?
There are several ways to determine if you have breast cancer. If you have one or more of the risk factors listed above, it’s important to regularly practice breast self exams. Regardless of risk factors, women should start administering monthly breast self exams in their 20s and seek immediate medical advice if any changes or lumps are found.
Breast self exams are a four step process and can be done in front of a mirror and while lying down.
- Examine your breasts in the mirror. They should be their usual shape, size and color.
- Raise your arms above your head and check for any changes
- Feel your breasts lying down. Use your first few finger pads and feel for lumps. Move in a circular motion and cover the entire breast.
- Feel your breasts when you are standing in the shower. Cover the entire breast and notice any lumps.
Premenopausal women should administer breast self exams approximately one week after the start of their period due to fluctuations of the way the breast tissue feels at different times of the menstrual cycle.
Additional recommendations for screening include:
- Mammograms: every year starting at age 40, or sooner depending on family history.
- Clinical breast exams: every three years starting at age 20 and every year starting at age 40. Clinical breast exams must be conducted by a health care provider or gynecologist.
If cancer is found, biopsy is needed to study the cancer cells and determine the type of breast cancer and its stage. This will provide a better understanding of what treatment options are best for you.
Breast cancer treatment options
With world renowned physicians and surgeons specializing in breast health and breast cancer, Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada (CCCN) provides the most current and effective treatment options to patients locally, and from around the world. These options may include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
- Surgery
- Clinical research
If you or a loved one was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and want to discuss your treatment options and prognosis, contact our cancer treatment facility at 702-952-3350. You can also visit our website at www.cccnevada.com
Comprehensive Cancer Centers of Nevada is an affiliate of The US Oncology Network and USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center. We work extensively to develop new and progressive cancer treatment and research for all cancer types, including breast cancer. We participate in more than 170 Phase I, Phase II and Phase III clinical research trials each year, and have helped develop 55 FDA-approved cancer treatments.
